BGC South East is HIRING!
Machine Shop Lead/Trades Instructor
Location: West End Community Centre (1300 Bath Road) - STEM & Robotics Centre
Position Timeline: September 7, 2026 - April 2, 2027
Note: Mainly 12 weeks from Sep. 7 - Nov. 27, 2026, and 12 weeks from Jan.11 - Apr. 2, 2027
Hours: 10-35 hours/week (primarily between Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, with extended hours possible)
Rate: $30/hr
About Us:
BGC South East has over 30 years of experience delivering community programming. While BGC South East has historically been known for recreation programming, the organization has expanded its educational programming in response to community needs. Over the past couple years, BGC South East has established dedicated STEM & Education Centres that have already provided hands-on technology learning opportunities to more than 5,000 children and youth. These programs are delivered by a team of engineers and STEM educators with expertise in delivering fun, accessible, hands-on learning experiences. The BGC South East STEM & Robotics Centre is a unique facility in South East Ontario and one of the largest youth STEM hubs in Canada, encompassing a 9,000-square-foot space that features a dedicated makerspace and machine shop. Our facility includes over $500,000 worth of woodworking and metalworking tools designed to foster creativity and innovation among youth in our community.
Position Overview:
BGC South East is seeking a Trades Instructor to support the delivery of the Trades Readiness Academy (TRAK), a new workforce development initiative designed to prepare young adults (ages 16-29) for careers in the skilled trades. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of hands-on technical training within our STEM & Robotics Centre while ensuring the safe operation of the machine shop and fabrication spaces. Working alongside the STEM Instructor and Education Managers, the Trades Instructor will help refine program curriculum, establish and reinforce safety procedures, and mentor participants as they develop practical technical skills and workplace readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver hands-on technical instruction within the machine shop and makerspace as part of the Trades Readiness Academy (TRAK)
- Support the development and refinement of technical curriculum, projects, and learning activities
- Demonstrate and supervise the safe operation of woodworking, metalworking, and fabrication equipment
- Develop, implement, and reinforce shop safety procedures, equipment orientations, and safe operating practices
- Ensure participants consistently follow shop safety protocols and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Supervise participants during all shop activities and maintain required staff-to-participant ratios
- Mentor participants by encouraging teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, and workplace readiness
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop, including tools, equipment, and materials
- Assist with routine equipment inspections, maintenance scheduling, inventory management, and safety documentation. Maintain records of machine maintenance schedules, safety inspections, and certifications
- Complete required program records, including attendance, incident reports, and accident reports
- Implement behaviour management techniques in accordance with BGC South East policies and procedures
- Communicate regularly with the Managers and Instructors regarding program delivery, participant progress, and operational needs
- Participate in staff training, meetings, and program planning
- Act as a positive role model for BGC South East in the community and with partners
Job Requirements:
- Certification, diploma, apprenticeship, Red Seal, or equivalent training and experience in machining, manufacturing, woodworking, industrial maintenance, carpentry, or a related skilled trade.
- Demonstrated experience safely operating and maintaining woodworking, metalworking, fabrication, and CNC equipment in a machine shop, makerspace, manufacturing facility, or similar environment.
- Strong knowledge of safety procedures, WHMIS, and Ontario Occupational Health & Safety regulations
- Strong technical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Experience developing or delivering technical training, workshops, or hands-on instruction is considered a strong asset
- Experience working with children, youth, or young adults in an educational, recreational, or training environment is considered an asset
- Experience with fabrication, prototyping, custom projects, or digital manufacturing is considered an asset
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Standard First Aid/C.P.R. LEVEL C - certification
- TDP (10-year booster) and MMR immunizations must be up to date
- Criminal Reference Check (including Vulnerable Sector Check)
- Valid driver's license / reliable transportation
BGC offers all staff a free employee assistance program called Life Works. LifeWorks is a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and innovative well-being resource offering support and guidance for you and your colleagues.
Application Process:
Submit a resume and a cover letter indicating the position applying for to the attention of:
HR Administrator: [email protected]
Please note that BGC South East will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements, and we will do our best to accommodate.
We thank all those who apply, however, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
